𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁

At the heart of ethical health research lies the notion of informed consent. This concept goes beyond a mere signature. It represents that participants are fully aware of the research's risk and benefits before they agree to participate. Informed consent allows them to make proper  decisions about their involvement without pressure. It’s a process that should be ongoing, with participants reminded that they can ‘leave’ anytime they feel like it.

𝗩𝗼𝗹𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

Voluntary participation is fundamental to ethical research. It ensures that participants can freely choose to engage in the study without any form of coercion. This principle allows them to withdraw from the research at any time without facing negative consequences. By respecting participants' decisions and safeguarding their right to opt out, researchers maintain an ethical relationship.

𝗘𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝗻𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗹𝘀

While human research garners significant attention, the ethical treatment of animals in research is equally vital. Animals have played a crucial role in health research including disease study and treatment development.  However, their involvement raises important ethical questions that must be addressed.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗥𝘀

The ethical framework for animal research is guided by the principles of the Three Rs: Refinement, Reduction, and Replacement.

◉ 𝙍𝙚𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 involves improving experimental procedures to minimize pain and distress experienced by animals. This might include improved handling techniques, for example.

◉ 𝙍𝙚𝙙𝙪𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 aims to minimize the number of animals used in research by optimizing study designs,and utilizing alternative methods where possible.

◉ 𝙍𝙚𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙘𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 encourages the use of alternative methods, such as computer simulations or human volunteers, to replace animal testing whenever possible.

𝗕𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗶𝘀𝗸𝘀

The principle of beneficence is central to both human and animal research, requiring researchers to maximize benefits while minimizing harm. For human participants, this involves careful consideration of risk to benefit ratio. For animals, it means ensuring that their use justified and that their suffering is minimized.

𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲

The principle of justice in health research calls for fairness in the distribution of the benefits and burdens of research. This applies to both human and animal subjects, ensuring that no group—whether vulnerable human populations or certain animal species—is disproportionately burdened by the risks of research.

𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻: 𝗔 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗵𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗘𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁

Ethical considerations in health research are not just formalities—they are the essence of responsible scientific inquiry. By adhering to these principles, researchers ensure that their work contributes positively to society while respecting the well-being of participants. As health research continues to push the boundaries of what is possible, we at BIIHR want to raise awareness on how crucial it is to remain steadfast in our commitment to conducting research ethically.

Written By-

𝐍𝐚𝐳𝐦𝐨𝐨𝐧 𝐍𝐚𝐡𝐚𝐫

Assistant Content Lead, BIIHR

&

B.Pharm. (Pursuing), Independent University, Bangladesh